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2024 Best Anthropology Schools

361 Colleges in the United States
11,415 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$26,616 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in anthropology is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #77 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

College Factual looked at 361 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Anthropology Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 11,415 degrees in anthropology to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Anthropology School

Best Anthropology Schools Your choice of anthropology school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Anthropology School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Anthropology Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Anthropology
Bachelor's Degrees in Anthropology
Master's Degrees in Anthropology
Doctor's Degrees in Anthropology

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Anthropology Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.


 

Best Schools for Anthropology in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of anthropology degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Anthropology

1
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CT

Any student pursuing a degree in anthropology needs to check out Yale University. Located in the medium-sized city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were about 22 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Yale University

2
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In MA
47 Anthropology Degrees Awarded

Harvard University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in anthropology. Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 47 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Harvard University

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In PA
27.6% Growth in Graduates

It's difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you want to pursue a degree in anthropology. Located in the city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 29 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of Pennsylvania

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
62 Anthropology Degrees Awarded

Any student who is interested in anthropology needs to take a look at University of Chicago. Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 62 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of Chicago

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
128 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$25,056 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, WUSTL is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were about 128 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the anthropology program report average early career income of $25,056.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Washington University in St Louis

6
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In NC
5.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 20 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Duke University

7
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
20th Most Popular In CA

Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were about 28 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Stanford University

8
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In TX
29.4% Growth in Graduates

Rice is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Houston. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Rice is a great university overall.

There were about 17 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Rice in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Rice University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
20th Most Popular In NY
33.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of New York, Teachers College is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #12 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Teachers College is a great university overall.

There were approximately 15 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Teachers College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Teachers College at Columbia University

10
Princeton crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NJ
48 Anthropology Degrees Awarded

Princeton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Princeton. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Princeton is a great university overall.

There were about 48 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Princeton University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IL
$14,951 Median Student Debt

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 23 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Northwestern University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
264 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$31,197 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 264 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the anthropology degree program at University of California - Los Angeles make $4,581 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of California - Los Angeles

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
120 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
7.5% Growth in Graduates

UC Berkeley is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley. This university ranks 4th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 120 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the anthropology program at University of California - Berkeley get $2,004 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of California - Berkeley

14
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In TN

Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. This university ranks 1st out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 19 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Vanderbilt University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
34 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
5.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 34 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Those anthropology students who get their degree from University of Notre Dame make $2,332 more than the standard anthropology grad.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of Notre Dame

16
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
62 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
3.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were roughly 62 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the anthropology program earn an average of $26,205 for their early career.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Emory University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
13.8% Growth in Graduates

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. This university ranks 2nd out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 80 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the anthropology program make about $27,222 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$33,194 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 79 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the anthropology program at Columbia University in the City of New York make $6,578 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Columbia University in the City of New York

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
62 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$28,869 Median Starting Salary

University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the small suburb of Charlottesville. This university ranks 1st out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 62 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the anthropology program at University of Virginia - Main Campus get $2,253 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of Virginia - Main Campus

20
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In RI
31 Anthropology Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 9 colleges for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were roughly 31 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Brown University

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In MD
38.5% Growth in Graduates

Johns Hopkins is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. This university ranks 1st out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 13 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Johns Hopkins University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
1.1% Growth in Graduates

UCSD is a fairly large public university located in the city of La Jolla. This university ranks 8th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 91 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the anthropology program at University of California - San Diego earn $3,127 above the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in anthropology from University of California - San Diego

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
19th Most Popular In NY

Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca. This university ranks 3rd out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 16 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Cornell University

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
12.5% Growth in Graduates

GWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were about 48 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the anthropology major at George Washington University make $9,560 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in anthropology from George Washington University

25
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
38 Anthropology Degrees Awarded
$44,153 Median Starting Salary

Dartmouth is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the remote town of Hanover. This college ranks 1st out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were roughly 38 anthropology students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent year we have data available. Anthropology degree recipients from Dartmouth College receive an earnings boost of about $17,537 above the average income of anthropology graduates.

More information about a degree in anthropology from Dartmouth College

Rest of the Top Best Anthropology Schools

26
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
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29
30
31
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33
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

34
35
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
36
37
38
39
40
Swarthmore crest
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
41

42
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT

43
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
44
Pomona crest
Pomona College
Claremont, CA
45
46
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
47
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
48
49
50

Remaining Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Anthropology Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 361 different United States anthropology schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
52 Binghamton University Vestal, NY
53 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
54 Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Anthropology students that almost earned our Best Anthropology Schools award.

Rank College Location
55 Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME
56 Barnard College New York, NY
57 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
58 American University Washington, DC
59 University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
60 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
61 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
62 University of Iowa Iowa City, IA
63 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
64 Grinnell College Grinnell, IA
65 Creighton University Omaha, NE
66 Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
67 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
68 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT
69 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
70 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
71 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NE
72 Brandeis University Waltham, MA

Anthropology by Region

View the Best Anthropology Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 13 majors within the Social Sciences area of study, Anthropology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Anthropology Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Anthropology 10,974
Medical Anthropology 169
Other Anthropology 119
Cultural Anthropology 80
Physical & Biological Anthropology 50
Forensic Anthropology 23

View All Anthropology Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Political Science & Government 49,282
Economics 49,055
Sociology 38,475
General Social Sciences 18,997
International Relations & National Security 14,306
Geography & Cartography 8,526
Other Social Sciences 2,414
Urban Studies 1,507
Sociology & Anthropology 541
Archeology 339

View All Anthropology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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College Rankings
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Degree Guides by Major
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